Episode 1: Seabed Habitats – Restoration and Protection

The Ocean Conservation Trust will be running a free webinar series beginning on Thursday 10th December at 4:30pm about the incredible seabed habitats and animals found around the UK, and how we are working to protect them.

Our first 45-minute webinar will be aired live in front of the Eddystone Reef Tank at the National Marine Aquarium. We cannot wait to talk about the exciting work we are doing, along with our partners, to help #saveourseabed.

Register here for Episode 1: Seabed Habitats – Restoration and Protection

The seabed around our coast holds amazing secrets about life on this planet, how it is sustained and its future. The habitats found there are fundamental to our existence and vital to the survival of all life on this planet. Find out more about why seabed habitats are important to you.

This offer is part of a wider project – LIFE Recreation ReMEDIES, run by Natural England and with partners. ReMEDIES aims to improve the habitat condition within 5 Special Areas of Conservation by working in habitat restoration and behaviour change.

Webinar Schedule

1. INTRODUCTION

2. PROJECT & HABITATS
Brief overview
Habitats
Seagrass nursery habitat, climate change & blue carbon & water quality
Habitat decline: reasons why

3. RESTORATION
Seagrass reproductive biology methods for seed collection, growing and planting
Areas for restoration

4. ADVANCED MOORING SYSTEMS
What are they, why are they necessary and where can they be found?
Plans for testing and placements

5. QUESTIONS

Join Our Expert Speakers

Mark Parry
Mark has worked for the Ocean Conservation Trust for 7 years he contributes towards project development and acts as a technical specialist to the LIFE Recreational ReMEDIES. In Marks time at the Ocean Conservation Trust he has been involved in citizen science projects, diver training, seagrass surveys, advanced mooring systems installations and numerous research projects. Mark is going to share his experiences of Advanced Mooring Systems installations and some of the positives the adoption of these technologies can have on sensitive habitats.

Dr Emma Nolan
Emma’s role at the Ocean Conservation Trust is as Seagrass Cultivation Officer for the Life Recreation ReMEDIES project. Having graduated with a first class Honours degree from University College Dublin in Environmental Science, Emma went on to do a Master’s Degree at Queen’s University Belfast in Sustainable Aquaculture and Inshore Fisheries. Since completing her masters Emma has worked for the Environment Agency, for the Government of the UK oversees territory of Ascension Island and has completed a PhD at Bournemouth University. With over ten years’ experience as an aquatic ecologist and with a passion for applied research and conservation that contributes to the sustainable management of  both freshwater and marine environments, Emma is enjoying the challenge of successfully implementing large-scale seagrass restoration to the English south-coast.

Loveday Trinick
Loveday’s role within the Ocean Conservation Trust is of Education Officer for the LIFE Recreation ReMEDIES Project. With a background in marine science, Loveday has spent over 10 years working in conservation communication, specialising in delivering a range of educational experiences to audiences within a formal and informal setting. Whether engaging with a group of school children on the beach or academic groups within conferences, Loveday provides fun, interactive sessions and talks which aim to inspire pro-Ocean behaviour and an optimistic attitude for the future of our planet.